Robbie Burns Banquet at the Stockey

Huntsville Forester

PARRY SOUND - Robbie Burns has no problem with popularity.
The long-deceased Scottish poet is celebrated the world over for his work. Here in Parry Sound, his popularity is such that the celebration held in his name has regularly had to switch venues in order to accommodate all the attendees.
Donald Sanderson, organizer of the local Robbie Burns Banquet & Ceilidh, said this year’s event will be at the Charles W. Stockey Centre to accommodate all the expected attendees.
“There’s a large Scottish heritage in West Parry Sound, and there’s something about Robbie Burns that resonates with Scottish and non-Scottish people alike. It’s an opportunity to get together and celebrate in the dark days of January,” Sanderson said.
The event will feature a traditional Burns’ dinner of roast beef, tatties, neeps, trifle and shortbread. Poetry, music and dance will also be held in tribute to Burns.
The banquet and ceilidh is a long-standing tradition in Parry Sound. Started in 1992, the first local one was held in 1992 at the Dunchurch Legion.
“We choose to get together to celebrate his life and poetry and music and we’re combining it with a meal and poetry, music and dance,” said Sanderson.
For those who may not know, Robert Burns is the Scottish poet responsible for notable songs like the New Year’s staple, Auld Lang Syne. He died in 1796 and is celebrated as a cultural icon by Scots around the world. Robbie Burns dinners are traditionally held around the date of his birthday which is January 25.
The Robbie Burns Banquet and Ceilidh kicks off at 5 p.m. Saturday, January 19 at the Stockey Centre.